Know your s@#t!
My favourite five things to find:
4. Frames and artwork: Your local thrift store is a great place to pick up picture frames and artwork. If a velvet Elvis isn’t your cup of tea, print your own black- and-white photography and have Elvis leave the building. 5. Wooden furniture: Thrift stores have a treasure trove of discarded furniture. Look for solid wood - a fresh coat of paint or refinish the surface and Bob’s your uncle you’ve saved a bundle!
80 per cent of my belongings were thrifted.
Although it does happen, you’re probably not going to find a priceless antique or diamond ring at the Village on seniors’ day. Asking the teenage clerk, “Is this real?” is not going to lead you to a missing Rembrandt.
1. Hardcover books: Consider removing the dust jacket from your hardcover book. The cover design is often simple and elegant. Many have embossed titles on linen-like covers that look beautiful stacked on a table or a shelf. 2. Linens: Look for all natural fabrics like linen or cotton, and remember white can be bleached for a complete refresh. 3. Glassware: Glasses and barware are easy to find secondhand. Always pass up chipped and cracked pieces and don’t be disappointed if you can’t find sets.
So, what are the secrets and tips that serious thrifters know? The following is a guide for successful treasure- hunting.
Try it before you buy it
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Always try on clothing before you buy it, even if it’s your size. Secondhand clothing is preshrunk so it may not fit the same as a new piece. If you find an amazing designer piece that doesn’t fit, have it professionally tailored.
Each store has a day during the week that offers additional discounts whether it’s for seniors or members . Sign up for email offers and newsletters and stay informed about sales in advance. Some local stores will offer incentives to donate. I always have a few donations in my car for a quick 20 per cent discount.
Stains, holes and weird smells
Carefully check for imperfections before you fall in love! Don’t convince yourself it will be fine - it won’t be fine - it will end up in your next donation bag so don’t waste your money.
Surf for savings
There are many online markets for everything from antiques and collectibles to designer handbags and fashions. Be careful of scams. Never send money before checking out an item and pick a safe meeting place for the transaction. Get the item before handing over your cash. The Internet is also a great place to sell your unwanted items. Be prepared for the tire-kickers and no-shows. Selling online can be frustrating.
Shop with a list
Make a list of items you’re searching for and don’t be tempted to buy yet another black cardigan. Have a rule - one item in the house means one item leaves.
Plug it in
Never buy sketchy electrical items. Most thrift stores have an area where you can test electrical finds. If you simply can’t leave it behind be sure a professional looks it over before use. Older electrical appliances can and should be rewired before use.
Clean before use
Thrifting is fun, environmentally sustainable, and affordable. It’s exciting to see so many people catching on to it!
Be sure to launder your items before use. If it can’t go through the wash, place it in a bag or container and leave it in the freezer or outside (in the winter) overnight. Or use a disinfectant spray.
- Savannah Belsher-MacLean (Photo: Robyn Gallaway-Horne)
SPRING 2020 www.pei-living.ca
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